Pressure ulcers

Pressure ulcers, sometimes called ‘bedsores’ are caused when an area of skin is placed under pressure. They can range in severity from patches of discoloured skin to open wounds that expose the underlying bone or muscle. People with reduced mobility are more likely to be at risk of developing pressure ulcers.

What can you do?

Try to keep moving and change position regularly when sitting and in bed.

Look out for red patches on pressure areas, where bones are close to the skin and take the body’s weight such as hips, bottom or heels. It can also be where living aids and equipment such as wheelchairs might press and rub.

If you have developed a pressure ulcer, it’s important that you minimise or avoid putting any further pressure on it to give the wound the best chance of healing.

Aim for a healthy, balanced diet with an adequate amount of protein and a good variety of vitamins and minerals to help prevent skin damage and speed up the healing process.